I remember that back in the 1960s, there was a newsstand on a tiny concrete "island" in the middle of the intersection of Belmont/California and Elston. It was almost like a tiny brick store with windows. Anyone else remember this or have pictures of it? The tiny island is still there, but there's nothing on it.

There was a set of historic picture postcards that had one of that shop. I know when we modernized the signals at the intersections, there were parts of the floor still atop that island, but the building had been gone for some time. With throat-widening that remainder was removed, too, in the 80's.

Found it!

https://picasaweb.google.com/103520006500163254243/Chicago1920s?authkey=vzhqfDH1LdY#5581556673249274898

After having visited lots of small towns in Europe I think their claim to "World's Smallest" title might have been a reach.

Well, it was as far as anyone in Chicago knew!